‘Tabula Rasa’ to be staged at Dhaka University

A new stage production titled “Tabula Rasa”, presented by the Theatre and Performance Studies Department of University of Dhaka, will be staged for three consecutive days beginning Tuesday.

The play will be performed from Tuesday to Thursday at 7:00pm at the university’s Natmondol Auditorium. The production is directed by Professor Ahmedul Kabir.

The script is based on the works of renowned Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Rather than adapting a single play, the production draws selected elements from three of Ibsen’s celebrated works—“A Doll’s House”, “Peer Gynt” and “The Wild Duck”.

According to the director, the production is a special initiative within the department’s academic programme. “Many of Ibsen’s plays are part of our curriculum, and several themes from his works have left a deep impression on us,” Ahmedul Kabir said. “Issues such as life, reality, human relationships, violence against women, political realities and social conditions are reflected in the production.”

He added that while the core themes of Ibsen’s original works remain intact, the script has been creatively restructured for the stage.

The title Tabula Rasa’, derived from Latin, literally means a “blank slate.” The director explained that the production explores how performers can communicate meaning through physical movement and body language, in addition to spoken dialogue.

The play is being produced and performed by first-semester postgraduate students of the Theatre and Performance Studies Department. Ahmedul Kabir said the initiative aims to introduce students to global theatrical traditions and encourage creative experimentation.

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He noted that the production may prompt audiences to reflect on contemporary issues such as gender-based violence and social inequality.